Hitachi DZ-BD7HE Blu-Ray Disc Camcorder Review
DZ-BD7HE – World’s First Blu-Ray Disc Camcorder from Hitachi
Hitachi’s Passion to “Inspire the Next” has created various milestones in the history of Camcorders. The inspiration continues as it launched the world’s first Blu-ray Disc Camcorder in 2007. Hitachi took a dramatic step forward to upgrade the disk based technology to a new level backing up with the strength of Blu Ray Disc (BD) technology. By virtue of BD’s higher blue wavelength (405 nanometres) it can store more data to a greater extent than the conventional DVD’s. Blu Ray disc technology successfully emerged against the competition with HD-DVD (High-Definition/Density Digital Versatile Disc -Toshiba’s technology).
Hitachi DZ-BD7HE “Hybrid storage “camcorder has indeed set a benchmark in high definition optical disc storage media.
Before reviewing in full length of Hitachis DZ-BD7HE digital camcorder, it is essential to appreciate the uniqueness of Blu ray disc technology. BD technology has outsmarted the existing optical storage media in many ways. Foremost aspect is its matchless storage capacity. A two layer Blu ray Disc can easily replace six dual sided DVD and if it is single layer the storage capacity is equivalent ten DVD’s. The data transfer speed is nearly three times superior to the existing discs. Compatibility element is stretched to various existing DVD formats and also with a variety of old formats (termed as backward compatibility).
Basic features
Image quality
The Hitachi DZ-BD7HE high definition camcorder’s image quality is due to the high definition 1920 x 1080 resolution. The Hitachi Camcorder is designed in such a manner that all the critical parts of the camera such as the lens, image sensor, and processing engine support 1920×1080 Full HD video. This enables the user to unleash the full potential of Blu-ray Disc by means of a Full HD processing system.
Storage options
The high definition Hitachi DZ-BD7HE camcorder looks elegant with mild silver metallic body. The camcorder start up time is very quick (takes just a second). Every technology has its inherent advantages which surpass the existing applications. This DZ-BD7HE professional high definition camcorder falls under the category of hybrid camcorder which means multiple storage options. The HDD camcorder has three different storage options viz 30GB Hard DisK Drive, 8cm Blu Ray Disc and DVD. The hybrid storage is an excellent package. In HDD storage option the recording time ranges from 4 hours to 8 hours with varying image quality (quality is inversely proportional to recording time). The user can maximize the recording time and edit the unwanted footages. The operating mechanism is simple. We can record any footage and store in HDD or BD. From HDD/ BD it is possible to burn the footages to DVD.
CMOS Image Sensor
An image sensor is a typical replacement of a photographic film. The image sensor is a permanent film which consists of millions of photosites. When light captured by the lens falls on the photosites the light energy is converted to electrical energy and we see the final image. The image sensor used in this camcorder is of CMOS type. The total number of pixels that its photosites can hold is 5.3 mega pixel. The advantage of CMOS sensor is relative low cost, low power consumption. The image sensor size refers to the size of the photosites is 1/2.8″. If the size is large the photo site can capture more light with less noise. The resultant picture would be clearer, brighter, and sharper. Some users have notified “Electrical noise” in the images / footages. Electrical noise means reduction in image quality and grains formation in the final image. The noise could be due to various reasons and to name a few, in build CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor) image sensor which converts the captured optical image to digital image, fluctuations in the performance of the photosites on the sensor, the smaller size of photo site. If the photo site size is larger more light can be captured with less noise. The resultant picture would be clearer, brighter, and sharper. We cannot neglect the probability of photons hitting the chip hit the transistors instead of the photodiode resulting in grains and low image quality.
Lens parameters
The lens used in Hitachi DZ-BD7HE Video Camcorder is High Definition quality 18 sided multicoated lens developed specially for the Blu ray disc camcorder. The highlight of the lens is that it reduces the ghosting and flaring effect.
Focal length is nothing but the distance from the middle of the lens to its focal point. Focal length range for this camcorder is F 5.0-50 mm. The focal length determines the angle of view and extent of magnification. Focal length also determines the field of view factor (how much of the world the camera can see). The range described is useful in architecture, street and documentary photography
Zoom – The scene to be pictures could be magnified by optical and digital zoom availabilities. The zoom range for optical and digital zoom is 10x and 500x respectively. The higher optical zoom value indicates the camcorder has higher flexibility to zoom distant objects. The digital zoom simply enlarges the image through interpolation. To get better result, it is advisable to use optical zoom option.
F number – F number (the focal length divided by the aperture diameter) or the f-ratio of the multicoated lens is F1.8 (Wide) – 3.0 (Tele). Wide angle lenses have small focal lengths; while telephoto lenses have larger corresponding focal lengths. The F ratio has multiple parameters that balance the final image quality. F 1.8 and 3.0 values is based on the focal length and the aperture opening. This is the optimum F range to get a quality output. The F ratio plays a role in the brightness of the image.
Few users have reported that Hitachi DZ-BD7HE picks a bit late while panning (refers to camcorder movement while recording a moving object). During the panning operation, activate Hitachi’s “Electronic Image Stabilization” (EIS) provision. It stabilizes the image by applying an equal and opposite correction to the lens. However the image may be blur or distorted when EIS is on. Troubleshooting options are available in the user manual.
Focus- auto and Manual
The HDD camcorder consists of manual and auto focus functions. In the focus function, the lens must precisely adjust to aim the light beams the image to be picture is emitting. In the manual focus option, the user need to be move around the subject and constantly refocusing. This is tedious, if the user is not a professional photographer. For such users the best option is to set the camcorder to auto focus mode and focus is carried out automatically we just need to click and go.
Minimum illumination
The minimum illumination is the lowest level of scene lighting at which the camcorder can be used is given as 24 lux (unit). This value gives guidance to user.
Miscellaneous aspects
Shutter Speed – Shutter speed is 1/30 s. The shutter speed and aperture control how much light gets to the sensor.
HDMI connectivity – The Hitachi is enabled with HDMI connectivity. On plugging the HDMI cable from the camcorder to TV/ computer the image transfer is made feasible.
Backlight adjustment – Compensating for backlight (uneven lighting situations) option is available. By enabling this function the subject to be pictured will not be dark.
White balance -White balance option is available so as to adjust the lighting contrast so that the best combination of natural and artificial light sources takes place
Hitachi DZ-BD7HE product has been launched with great expectations to dominate the camcorder market. The Hitachi DZ-BD7HE HD camcorder’s marketing slogan is “Worlds First Blu Ray Disc Camcorder”, but it has overlooked few important aspects thereby limiting the scope of variety of end users. The camcorder is recommended for family occasions and travel.
Hitachi DZ-BD7HE Hard Drive Camcorder – Technical Specifications, Features
| GENERAL | |
| Model Name | DZ-BD7HE |
| Manufacturer | Hitachi |
| Camcorder type | BD/HDD/DVD hybrid camcorder |
| Dimensions W x H x D | 83 x 87 x 166 mm |
| Weight | 630g |
| Colour | White metallic silver |
| Monitor | 2.7″ (16:9 Widescreen) (123k Pixels) |
| LENS DETAILS | |
| Image sensor | 1/2.8 “CMOS x total 5.3 Megapixel |
| F value | Wide: F1.8 Tele: F 3.0 |
| Zoom (Digital) | 10x/500x |
| Focal length | f 5.0-50mm |
| Filter disclaimer | 43 mm |
| Lens brand | Hitachi |
| CAMERA DETAILS | |
| Minimum illumination | 24 Lux (Auto, Shutter Speed 1/30) |
| Focus | AF / Manual |
| Scene modes | Auto Portrait Spotlight Surf & Snow Low Light |
| Backlight | Yes |
| LCD panel light | Yes |
| Photo capture Movie to JPEG from from HDD and BD/DVD | (1920 x 1080)/(640 x 360) |
| Memory Card Slot | SD |
| RECORDING DETAILS | |
| Recording format | HDD/BD/DVD/SD |
| Recording Time | Maximum recording time (HDD) HX: 4hrs./HF: 5.3hrs./HS: 8hrs. Maximum recording time (BD) HX: 1hr./HF: 1.3hrs./HS: 2hrs. Maximum recording time (DVD) SX: 20min./SF: 30min. |
| Playback mode | HDD/BD/DVD/SD |
| Audio recording system | 2ch Stereo Dolby Digital |
| Audio dubbing | Yes |
| Microphone | Stereo Zoom Mic Wind Noise Reduction |
| PRODUCT SPECIFICS | CMOS Camera System 10x Optical Zoom 2.7 Inch LCD Electric Image Stabilizer 1 hr Blue Ray Disc recording USB 2.0 (HS Mode) |
| Battery | Li-ion 1360mAh |
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